Legislation will mean healthier snack options for students

SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Senate recently passed House Bill 2650, legislation that sets standards for what kind of snack food may be sold in schools. Foods with fat and sugar content beyond a certain level will not be allowed in school vending machines or to be sold by school stores.

“With child obesity rates becoming a greater and greater health concern, this legislation is just common sense,” said Senator Joanne Verger (D-District 5). “We should take every step to ensure children have healthy choices.”

House Bill 2650 applies to food sold in schools through vending machines and school stores.

Under this legislation, food items would have to meet a standard of portion size and amount of calories, and be under a certain level of fat and sugar content. In higher grade levels, the amounts allowed would increase. The standards would not apply to after-school and sporting events attended by parents and the public.

“Junk food has no place in our schools,” said Senator Bill Morrisette (D-Springfield). “This is especially true when we are trying to teach children the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Schools will sell what they tell.”

Standards set by the legislation would become effective in the 2008-2009 school year.